Charming Cocktailshttps://charmingcocktails.wordpress.com
A Charming Generosity of SpiritTue, 18 Jul 2017 14:39:58 +0000enhourly1http://wordpress.com/https://secure.gravatar.com/blavatar/292a0eaf4085a2190cb1ec36d1762f88?s=96&d=https%3A%2F%2Fs2.wp.com%2Fi%2Fbuttonw-com.pngCharming Cocktailshttps://charmingcocktails.wordpress.com
Updatehttps://charmingcocktails.wordpress.com/2014/07/28/update/
Mon, 28 Jul 2014 09:01:35 +0000http://charmingcocktails.wordpress.com/?p=1571]]>Well, I did the blog thing for five years and now I’m just too busy to keep up with it.

It’s that time again! Tales officially starts on Wednesday July 17th. A lot of the info I gave last year still applies. You can view it here, but I will add some new info in this post.

First, I’ve updated my Visitor guide google map here. Check the first link above to see the instructions of how to add it to your mobile device. It also has the locations of craft bars, late night dining, banks, grocery stores, etc.

Secondly, me and Chris Mcmillian can be found at new bars. Chris is heading up the bar at Kingfishlocated on the corner of Chartres and Conti. I’m on the corner of Bourbon and Orleans in the Bourbon Orleans Hotel at the Bourbon O’ Bar. For two months I’ve been revamping the interior and bar program. I’ve made it the nicest (and only) bar on Bourbon Street where you can sip a fresh cocktail while watching the craziness of the world’s most famous party street. My bar staff includes Becca June from Portland and Lynn Burgett from Baton Rouge. We plan to work everyday and night to accommodate you. We will have live entertainment every night and are large enough for a crowd. Bring your own food or order from our delivery menus. We are excited for you to visit!

Bourbon O’ Bar welcomes the USBG (United States Bartenders Guild) Tuesday, July 16th, 12 noon – 5 pm for a Meet n’ Greet
It’s a chance to come on by, meet the USBG National President David Nepove, enjoy a crafted cocktail at the bar, pick up your USBG swag and say ‘hello’ to other USBG members from around America as they kick off our week in N’awlins for Tales of the Cocktail! Free hugs and cocktail specials for everyone!

Also, The Bourbon Orleans Hotel welcomes “On the Town with Dale DeGroff” on Wednesday July 17th. Drinks to be served: Dale’s Fitzgerald, Punch Royale, The Major Bailey and Absinthe Frappe. Bartenders making Dales’s drinks are Bruce Tomlinson, Lynn Burgett, and Becca June.

BASIC NOLA INFORMATION
• The French Quarter (Vieux Carré [VEWV- ca-REH]/Old Square) is only 6 X 12 blocks. It was the very first part of land built upon in the 1700s. Since then, there have been two fires (1788 and 1794). In the late 1800s the street numbers changed, which makes it challenging when doing research.

• There are four streets that border the French Quarter: Canal, Rampart, Esplanade, and Decatur.

– Cross over Esplanade and you enter the Marigny Triangle and the best place to visit here is Frenchman Street. This is where the local cool kids live, drink, eat, and party. The best way to get there is a cab, pedicab, or walk East on Decatur.

– Cross over Canal and you’ll enter a business type atmosphere.

– Cross over Rampart and well, DO NOT cross over Rampart on foot at night. Only go as far as Bar Tonique.

– Cross over Decatur, keep walking, and you’ll end up in the Mississippi River

– When you cross over Canal from the French Quarter the street names change:
Decatur to Magazine
Chartres to Camp
Royal to St. Charles
Bourbon to Carondolet
Dauphine to Baronne
Burgundy to University Place
North Rampart to South Rampart

• All the streets in the French Quarter are one-way, so is no need to constantly look for one-way signs when crossing a street. Just look to see which way the cars are faced. And please, I’m asking you kindly, please don’t get to a corner and stop…walk like a local and keep going. The cars are going very slow and will stop for you. If you really want to walk like a local then walk in the street alongside the parked cars.

• The sidewalks in the French Quarter are very uneven and full of holes. The best shoes to wear should have a flat sole. Heels on women are dangerous. Wedges work well. Also, the streets are very dirty, so if you wear open toed shoes, then expect to wash your feet often.

• Cabs and pedicabs are very easy to hire. They roam the French Quarter streets constantly looking for business. You will need cash for the pedicabs and if you’re going to use a credit card for a cab then ask first.

• Come to my Sunday Night French Quarter Balcony Chillax Tiki Party – Sunday the 21st
Tales is over, you’re hungover, you sleep in, get some dinner, and think to yourself, “I’m feeling better, what is there to do?” This is why you are officially invited to my party. When? 10pm – 5am. Beachbum Berry will be tending bar from 10 pm – 1am.
I will have tropical flip flops for everyone and of course leis. Just yell up and I’ll drop the gate key in a basket. The address is 928 Conti (less than two blocks from Bourbon). Go to my Facebook event page here to let me know you are coming, so I know how much booze and food to buy.

• Miss Trivia

Download my drink trivia App, Miss Trivia for only 99 cents and have fun playing while in Nola. My app has 5000 questions, five categories, and three difficulty levels. In August 2013 it will longer be available to download, so get it NOW.

• Canal Street Ferry

Ride the Canal Street Ferry for free to Algiers Point and see the New Orleans skyline. The ferry runs every day from 6:00 am – 12:15 am, and departs from the New Orleans side at :15 and :45 past the hour. You can board the ferry at the foot of Canal Street – right next to the Aquarium. It departs from the other side on the hour and :30 past the hour. My suggestion is to just enjoy the ride and view by riding the ferry over, stay on the ferry, and ride back.

• Germaine Cazenave Wells Mardi Gras Museum

Upstairs above the French 75 Bar there is a free museum that brings together more than two dozen lavish Mardi Gras costumes. Just ask the bartender about it.

• Antione’s TourIf you go to Antoine’s (713 St. Louis Street) and ask for a tour of their 160 year old restaurant then they will grant you this wish for free.

• Café du Monde BeignetsYou can see beignets being made through the kitchen window at Café Du Monde in Dutch Alley.

• Ride a Nola Streetcar
The streetcars cost $1.25 or you can buy an all day pass for $3.

Well, that’s enough information to point you in the right direction.

Cheers!
Cheryl Charming aka Miss Charming™
Phone/Text 407.924.6234

]]>charming19601040038_597399203633801_634466633_omap2:)walk995682_10151702469414553_1137338230_nVisitors Guide for Tales 2012https://charmingcocktails.wordpress.com/2012/06/29/visitors-guide-for-tales-of-the-cocktail-2012/
Fri, 29 Jun 2012 04:34:21 +0000http://charmingcocktails.wordpress.com/?p=1573Continue reading →]]>It’s Tales Time again and this year is the 10th anniversary! This year I decided to bump it up a notch and create a Google Map for you. TECH STUFF: The best way I’ve found to add the Google Map to your mobile device is 1) Email the link to your mobile device. 2) Click the link to open it in your browser. 3) Save it on your home screen or as a bookmark it in your browser. 4) You’ll need to be signed in to your Google account. To get the link just click on the banner below. The short link is http://www.goo.gl/maps/ha1k

Here are some basic navigation instructions once you open the link on your Apple mobile device.

BASIC NOLA INFORMATION
• The French Quarter (Vieux Carré [VEWV- ca-REH]/Old Square) is only 6 X 12 blocks. It was the very first part of land built upon in the 1700s. Since then, there have been two fires (1788 and 1794). In the late 1800s the street numbers changed, which makes it challenging when doing research.

• There are four streets that border the French Quarter: Canal, Rampart, Esplanade, and Decatur.

– Cross over Esplanade and you enter the Marigny Triangle and the best place to visit here is Frenchman Street. This is where the local cool kids live, drink, eat, and party. The best way to get there is a cab, pedicab, or walk East on Decatur.

– Cross over Canal and you’ll enter a business type atmosphere.

– Cross over Rampart and well, DO NOT cross over Rampart on foot at night. Only go as far as Bar Tonique.

– Cross over Decatur, keep walking, and you’ll end up in the Mississippi River

– When you cross over Canal from the French Quarter the street names change:
Decatur to Magazine
Chartres to Camp
Royal to St. Charles
Bourbon to Carondolet
Dauphine to Baronne
Burgundy to University Place
North Rampart to South Rampart

• All the streets in the French Quarter are one-way, so is no need to constantly look for one-way signs when crossing a street. Just look to see which way the cars are faced. And please, I’m asking you kindly, please don’t get to a corner and stop…walk like a local and keep going. The cars are going very slow and will stop for you. If you really want to walk like a local then walk in the street alongside the parked cars.

• The sidewalks in the French Quarter are very uneven and full of holes. The best shoes to wear should have a flat sole. Heels on women are dangerous. Wedges work well. Also, the streets are very dirty, so if you wear open toed shoes, then expect to wash your feet often.

• Cabs and pedicabs are very easy to hire. They roam the French Quarter streets constantly looking for business. You will need cash for the pedicabs and if you’re going to use a credit card for a cab then ask first.

• Come to my Sunday Night Chilled French Quarter Balcony Party – Sunday the 29th
Tales is over, you’re hungover, you sleep in, get some dinner, and think to yourself, “I’m feeling better, what is there to do?” This is why you are officially invited to my low-key chilled party on my French Quarter balconies. When? 10pm – 6am. Cocktail legend, Paul Harrington will be making DRY FLY Vespers, DRY FLY Jasmines, and DRY FLY Harringtons from 10 pm – 1am.
I will also have a “Make Your Own S’mores & Jiffy Pop Fire Bar” set up at my kitchen gas stove.
Just yell up and I’ll drop the gate key in a basket. The address is 928 Conti (less than two blocks from Bourbon). It’s on the google map. I would love to see you!

• Buy a NOLA Drink Deck!
This is a deck of cards with discounts for NOLA bars . Each card gets you a varied amount of discounts. Don’t want to carry around a deck of cards? Then buy the mobile version.

• Miss Trivia

Download my drink trivia App, Miss Trivia for only 99 cents and have fun playing while in Nola. My app has 5000 questions, five categories, and three difficulty levels.

• Canal Street Ferry

Ride the Canal Street Ferry for free to Algiers Point and see the New Orleans skyline. The ferry runs every day from 6:00 am – 12:15 am, and departs from the New Orleans side at :15 and :45 past the hour. You can board the ferry at the foot of Canal Street – right next to the Aquarium. It departs from the other side on the hour and :30 past the hour. My suggestion is to just enjoy the ride and view by riding the ferry over, stay on the ferry, and ride back. There’s not much to see on the other side at Algiers Point (at least from what from that I saw).

• Take a Photo of a Celebrity HouseOn the Google Map I put gold stars to the celebrity homes of Kenny Kravitz, Brad & Angelina, Nicholas Cage, and Sandra Bullock.

• Germaine Cazenave Wells Mardi Gras MuseumUpstairs above the French 75 Bar there is a free museum that brings together more than two dozen lavish Mardi Gras costumes. Just ask the bartender about it.

• Antione’s TourIf you go to Antoine’s (713 St. Louis Street) and ask for a tour of their 160 year old restaurant then they will grant you this wish for free.

• Café du Monde BeignetsYou can see beignets being made through the kitchen window at Café Du Monde in Dutch Alley.

• Ride a Nola Streetcar
The streetcars cost $1.25 (have some quarters on you) or you can buy an all day pass for $3. I highly recommend seeing St. Charles Street. St. Charles Street is where many of the Mardi Gras parades travel and where you’ll see the historic homes near the French Quarter. The streetcar will stop at the end then you get out and get on a returning streetcar. It will take 30 minutes one-way.

Well, that’s enough information to point you in the right direction.

Cheers!
Cheryl Charming aka Miss Charming™

P.S. If you have any questions while in New Olreans, then just text me @ 407.924.6234. Oh! also, me and Bruce Tomlinson are hosting a “Honoring the Dead Cocktail Tour.” Space is limited to 24 people, but if you want me to put you on the cancellation list then just Facebook Email me. Transportation, Henry and Joseph’s famous cocktails served in real glass, flowers, water, high-quality camera, and some extra fun surprises are provided. And it’s free!

For the past five years I have attended Tales as a personality, author, seminar panelist, and moderator and each year I roam around the streets not really knowing where to go or what to see and taste. Well, I moved to the French Quarter in October of 2010 and now have a bit more information, so I thought I’d share it with you. Below, is a New Orleans, NOLA, N’awlins, Cresent City, La Nouvelle-Orléan, The Big Easy, visitors guide to help Tales of the Cocktail visitors trek around this piece of earth established in 1713. If you’ve never been to Tales then this will serve you well. If you are a return attendee then you might see something new. I hope you enjoy the information I’ve gathered. Also, if you have information you feel I should include, correct, etc. just Facebook email me.

In this blog post you’ll find:
• BASIC NOLA INFORMATION
• TOP THRIFTY THINGS TO DO IN NOLA
• BARS OF INTEREST
• NOSHING IN NOLA

FYI – This year I’m tending bar at The Bombay Club (830 Conti [CON-tie] – one block from Bourbon-GPS Map) Tuesday through Saturday. We open at 4 pm, offer live entertainment 7 nights a week, and have a wonderful food menu (our chef, Rickey Cheramie trained under Emeril Lagasse at Commander’s Palace). The Asian Calamari and Eggplant Shrimp are to die for (they are the staff’s favorites). If you have not reserved a Spirited Dinner for Thursday night, then you should know that we have Maine lobster night on Thursdays for only $25. It includes a 1-½ lb full lobster, salad, and a side. You must have reservations because we fly in the live lobsters based on reservations. On Friday we have entertainer, Judy Spellman and she’s great at getting the crowd going. On Saturday night we have the incredible Luther Kent singing the blues. He use to be the lead singer for Blood, Sweat, & Tears in the 1970s. Starts at 9:30pm. I’ll probably be slammed those nights, so I won’t have much time to talk…but it should be fun to watch me in the weeds, lol.

BASIC NOLA INFORMATION
• The French Quarter (Vieux Carré [VOH- care-eh]/Old Square) is only 6 blocks X 12 blocks. It was the very first part of land built upon in the 1700s.

• There are four streets that border the French Quarter. Canal, Rampart, Esplanade, and Decatur/Mississippi River.

– Cross over Esplanade and you enter the Marigny Triangle and the best place to visit is Frenchman Street (GPS Map). This area is where the locals go for drinks, food, and entertainment. The best way to get there is a cab or walk East straight down Decatur.

– Cross over Canal and you’ll enter a business type atmosphere, but there are bars of interest to visit.

– Cross over Rampart and…well, DO NOT cross over Rampart on foot at night. Only go as far as Bar Tonique.

– Cross over Decatur, keep walking, and you’ll end up in the Mississippi River

– When you cross over Canal from the French Quarter the street names change. Here is the list:
Decatur to Magazine
Chartres to Camp
Royal to St. Charles
Bourbon to Carondolet
Dauphine to Baronne
Burgundy to University Place
North Rampart to South Rampart

• All the streets in the French Quarter are one-way. There is no need to constantly look for the one-way signs when crossing a street…just look to see which way the cars are faced.

• The sidewalks in the French Quarter are very uneven and full of holes. The best shoes to wear should have a flat sole. Heels on women are dangerous. Wedges work well, though. Also, the streets are very dirty. so if you wear open toed shoes, then expect to wash your feet often.

• Cabs are very easy to get. They roam the French Quarter streets just looking for someone to pick up. People ask me to call them a cab all the time at The Bombay Club and I let them know that all they have to do is walk to the corner and one will go by every minute. If you are going to use a credit card then ask before getting in because some do not take credit cards.

• Banks/ATM. On both corners of The Hotel Monteleone there are two full service banks with ATM’s; Chase and Capital One.

• Buy a NOLA Drink Deck!
This is a deck of cards with a bar on each card. Each card gets you a varied amount of discounts at each bar (20% off at the Bombay Club). You can purchase the NolaDrink Deck for $29.99 here.

• Miss Trivia

Download my drink trivia App, Miss Trivia for only 99 cents and have fun playing while in Nola. More information here.

• Social Mixology (SMX) ~ Fancypants Party
Hosted by my long time cocktail friend, Tobin Ellis, who I am so proud of. So sad that I cannot attend, but you can! It’s Tuesday July 19th from 10pm to 1am with a place to be announced (Tobin is secretive that way). If you don’t know the name, Tobin Ellis then you need to get out of the business. Learn more on the event Facebook page here.

• La Gallerie d’AbsintheFrom Tuesday July 19th – Sunday July 24th the Southern Food and Beverage Museum (GPS Map) will have the largest collection of Absinthe artifacts in the United States, complete with spoons, recipes, fountains and more from the personal collection of Raymond and B.J. Bordelon. $10. The event page is here.

• New Orleans Pharmacy Museum Aqua Vitale: The Spirited History of Alcohol as MedicineFrom Tuesday July 19th to Saturday July 23rd from 10am-1pm you can visit the New Orleans Pharmacy Museum (GPS Map) for only $5. The event page is here.

• Irvin Mayfield’s Jazz Playhouse Midnight Burlesque Show
Normally, every Friday night at midnight inside the Royal Sonesta Hotel (300 Bourbon Street – GPS Map) there is a free burlesque show. But during Tales week they are doing it on Wednesday night. I highly recommend making reservations so you can get a table. Call 504-553-2331.

• Canal Street Ferry
Ride the Canal Street Ferry (GPS Map) for free to Algiers Point and see the New Orleans skyline. The ferry runs every day from 6 am – 12:15 am, and departs from the New Orleans side at :15 and :45 past the hour. You can board the ferry, which has been in operation since 1827, at the foot of Canal Street – right next to the Aquarium. It departs from the other side on the hour and :30 past the hour. On the Algiers Point side there is a residential neighborhood that survived Hurricane Katrina entirely, and has preserved much of its original 19th century village charm. Grab a bite at any of the nearby cafes and pubs, stroll the Jazz Walk of Fame along the levee, or take a self-guided walking tour – see the Algiers Historical Society for information on tours and the neighborhood here.

• Commander’s Palace 25 cent Martinis
Yep, they have 25 cent Martinis. Never had one and don’t know the details, but you can call them at 504-899-8221. 1403 Washington Avenue (GPS Map)

• Take a photo of Lenny Kravitz’ digs or Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie’s houseBrangelina’sFrench Quarter house is at 521 Governor Nicholls Street (GPS Map). Lenny Kravitz‘ house is at 612 Dauphine Street (GPS Map). My (Cheryl Charming) balcony is at 928 Conti (GPS Map). It’s cool! and have been told I have the only bed on a balcony in the French Quarter.

• Germaine Cazenave Wells Mardi Gras MuseumUpstairs atArnaud’s at 813 Bienville Street (GPS Map) there is a free museum that brings together more than two dozen lavish Mardi Gras costumes, including 13 of Mrs. Wells’ queen costumes, one of her mother’s and one of her daughter’s, as well as four king’s costumes worn by Count Arnaud, and six children’s costumes. Just go through the French 75 bar and ask master mixologist, Chris Hannah about it…oh, and finish by having a cocktail with Chris. He’s working Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Saturday during Tales.• Antione’s TourIf you go to Antione’s at 713 St. Louis Street (GPS Map) and ask for a tour of their 160 year old restaurant then they will grant you this wish for free.

• Café du Monde BeignetsYou can see beignets being made through the kitchen window at Cafe’ du Monde at 800 Decatur Street (GPS Map) in Dutch Alley.• Ride a Nola Streetcar
The streetcars cost only $1.25 (have some quarters on you). Here is more information and maps for you. I highly recommend seeing St. Charles Street.
• Visit the Musee Conti Wax MuseumThe Musee Conti Wax Museum at 917 Conti Street (GPS Map) is only open Monday, Friday, and Saturday from 10am – 4pm. It costs $7. I live directly across the street from the museum (the balcony with the long black sheers). However, I have never visited the museum, but I watch parties and special events from my balcony often. One of the employees gives me a weekly bottle of wine left over from events. Their website says; Enter the fascinating world of the French Creoles as the story of New Orleans unfolds before your eyes. Beautiful costumes, accurate décor, and unbelievable stories are woven into a history unlike any other city! Begin 300 years ago as you meet our local legends: Iberville and Bienville discovering the swampy city, the duc d’Orleans planning New Orleans, the casket girls, Napoleon as he sells Louisiana, Jean Lafitte the pirate, Andrew Jackson in the Battle of New Orleans, Marie Laveau and her voodoo dancers, Mardi Gras Zulu King Weatherspoon, Louis Armstrong and Pete Fountain. Plus the eerie Haunted Dungeon!

• Lucy’s Retired Surfer Bar
If you come to Tales early then Lucy’s at 701 Tchoupittoulas (GPS Map) is having a huge Luau Block Party on Saturday July 16th from noon until the wee hours of the morning.

• Old New Orleans Rum: A Summer Rumble
Also on Saturday the 16th there’s another fun event. Old New Orleans Rum is the ONLY spirit actually made in New Orleans and they are having a Summer Rumble at their distillery. More information here.

• MOTAC BucksThe Museum of the American Cocktail (MOTAC – GPS Map) has teamed up with five Nola bars offering MOTAC bucks. Simply buy the special cocktail the bar has created and the bartender will give you MOTAC Bucks that gets you $3 off admission to the museum. Regular admission is $10. The participating bars are; The Bombay Club, Swizzle Stick Bar, Cure, Dominique’s on Magazine and Polo Club at Windsor Court.

• The Bombay Club Gold Card
The only bar in Nola with a punch card. Your free gold card gets punched when you purchase a cocktail, glass of wine (4 punches for a bottle), or appetizer. After 9 punches the 10th of your choice is free.

• The Bombay Club Lobster NightThrough the summer, The Bombay Club at 830 Conti (GPS Map) has lobster night every Thursday. For $25, you get a 1-½ lb full lobster, salad, and a side. You must have a reservation because we fly in the live lobsters based on reservations. Call 504-586-0972. Oh, the live entertainment starts at 8pm.

BARS OF INTEREST

Craft Cocktail Bars• Cure
4905 Freret Street (you’ll have to cab it – GPS Map).
Voted the best bar in New Orleans from many media sources. Opens at 5pm nightly. Rhiannon Enil will be behind the bar on Wednesday, Saturday, and Sunday during Tales. On Sunday, Cure invites all the Tales apprentices to rotate through their guest well spending a few minutes making drinks. Maks will be returning from Brooklyn to help curate the guest well. Also, Cure is participating in the Museum of the American Cocktail MOTAC Bucks promotion.

• Swizzle Stick Bar
300 Poydras Street (easy walk from the French Quarter on Canal side – GPS Map). In Café Adelaide, which is in the Loews New Orleans Hotel. The only bar I know that has a block of ice. Bar Chef, Lu Brow is working Wednesday, Saturday, and Sunday during Tales. Swizzle Stick Bar is participating in the Museum of the American Cocktail MOTAC Bucks promotion.

• 12 Mile Limit
500 Telemachus Street (will have to cab it – GPS Map). Opens at 5 pm and owner, T. Cole Newton will be working Tuesday, Friday, and Saturday during Tales. He also says that they have the best BBQ in the city.

• Loa
221 Camp Street (easy walk from the French Quarter on Canal side. Inside the International House Hotel – GPS Map). Christine Jeanine Nielsen will be tending bar at Loa all during Tales. Lucinda Weed will be tending bar with her on Friday.

• Victory
339 Baronne Street (GPS Map) Easy walk from the French Quarter on Canal side. On the French Quarter side the street is called Dauphine, but once you cross Canal the street name is Baronne. Victory, Bar Uncommon, and Domenica/Roosevelt make a one block triangle from each other.
This is Daniel Victory’s bar.

Other Bars of Interest

• Carousel Bar
214 Royal Street (French Quarter, inside the Hotel Monteleone – GPS Map).
Known as “the” Tales hub bar. Headed up by Marvin Allen. Note: The hotel is under a bit of construction as they are putting in street windows down to the end of the block. Even the step down area of the bar (piano and booths) is blocked off by a big black wall. But, it will be super nice for Tales 2012 (the 10th anniversary of Tales).

• The Bombay Club
830 Conti Street (tucked behind the drive of the Prince Conti Hotel – GPS Map). Well, this is where I work. I’m the bar manager and will be behind the bar Tuesday July 19th – Saturday the 23rd during Tales. We open at 4pm and have live entertainment 7 nights a week. I’ve been revamping the bar since January 2011. I’ve rolled out a phase 1 menu (phase 2 in September) that showcases cocktails from the 1700s to present day, replaced most of the glassware with vintage ware, started a garden in the courtyard, eliminated about 20 vodkas, brought in new products, ice balls, added theme nights (Monday-MadMen, Tuesday-James Bond, and Wednesday-Silver Screen), changed the playlist to a Rat Pack(y)-Ella Fitzgerald-Billie Holiday mix, play classic films on the TV screen and some other detail touches. In the Fall I will be teaching several hands-on cocktail classes, and pairing cocktails with every appetizer and entreé on the food menus.

Everyone that visits me during Tales gets lagniappe (a free gift)! I have a display case full of fun cocktail related items to give away. Just reach your hand into my Champagne bucket to see what you win. The Bombay Club is participating in the Museum of the American Cocktail MOTAC Bucks promotion.

• Irvin Mayfield’s Jazz Playhouse
300 Bourbon Street inside the Royal Sonesta Hotel (French Quarter – GPS Map)Tiffany Soles, New Orleans Magazine “Bartender of the Year” 2010 works here, but she will be attending Tales that week. This is a beautiful room and only one of two “nice” lounges in the French Quarter with live entertainment 7 nights a week. The other one is The Bombay Club.

• Bar Uncommon
817 Common Street (GPS Map).Inside the Renaissance Pere Marquette Hotel. Easy walk from the French Quarter on Canal side. On the French Quarter side the street is called Dauphine, but once you cross Canal the street name is Baronne. Victory, Bar Uncommon, and Domenica/Roosevelt make a one block triangle from each other.
This is where Master Chris Mcmillian works, but he will not be there during Tales. You’ll find him and LauraMcmillian at The Museum of the American Cocktail.

• French 75 Bar
813 Bienville Street (French Quarter – GPS Map)
The French 75 Bar is part of Arnaud’s. It has a street entrance and headed up by Chris Hannah. It’s a beautiful little bar. You’ll fall in love with the monkey lamps. Chris will be working Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Saturday during Tales. He opens at 5pm. Make sure you ask him about the free museum upstairs. They sell cigars and you can smoke inside the bar. The French 75 Bar and The Bombay Club is one block from Bourbon Street, one street apart and practically back to back.

• Dominique’s on magazine
4729 Magazine Street (you’ll have to cab it – GPS Map). Kimberly Patton-Bragg heads up the bar, but she will be working at Tales of the Cocktail, so look for her there! If you visit Dominque’s, then check out her garden! Dominque’s is participating in the Museum of the American Cocktail MOTAC Bucks promotion.

• Domenica
123 Baronne Street (GPS Map). Inside the Roosevelt Hotel. Easy walk from the French Quarter on Canal side. On the French Quarter side the street is called Dauphine, but once you cross Canal the street name is Baronne. Victory, Bar Uncommon, and Domenica make a one block triangle from each other. Bartenders Michael Glassberg and Jason Lee work there. Michael Glassberg will be working Wednesday, Thursday, and Saturday during Tales.

• Pat O’Brien’s
718 Saint Peter Street (French Quarter – GPS Map). Without a doubt, Pat O’Brien’s is the most famous historic bar in New Orleans. My longtime friend, Scott Touchton is the General Manager.

• Old Absinthe House
240 Bourbon Street (French Quarter – GPS Map). Full of history and they still have the absinthe drip fountains (non-working) on the bar. This is where EVERYONE from Tales gathers from 3am to 6am Sunday morning following Simon Ford and Audrey Saunders official/unofficial Tales wrap party The Plymouth Gin Bartender’s Breakfast (which is at The Board of Trade this year – GPS Map). The streets in this area will be packed with Tales attendees.

• Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop
941 Bourbon Street (French Quarter – GPS Map)
Built between 1722 and 1732 and is reputed to be the oldest structure used as a bar in the United States.

NOSHING IN NOLA
Do you want to try the best bites and sips around Nola? No restaurant/bar has it all, but they all have that one or two dish/cocktail that is outstanding and should be part of a Nola “must” experience. Below is what I’ve gathered from my own treks around Nola as well as what friends have told me. By the way, everyone’s gumbo and jambalaya is different. The best jambalaya that I like so far is at Pat O’Brien’s. The best gumbo?…well I haven’t found it yet.

• Domenica
123 Baronne Street (GPS Map). Inside the Roosevelt Hotel. Easy walk from the French Quarter on Canal side. On the French Quarter side the street is called Dauphine, but once you cross Canal the street name is Baronne.
Appetizer: Cheese Plate
Pizza: Margherita (it has an egg on top)

• Three Legged Dog
400 Burgundy (French Quarter, corner of Conti and Burgundy – GPS Map)
The ultimate dive bar that has the best fall off the bone ribs for only $8 and it will feed 2 people (ask to have them cut). Al, the bartender has tended bar in the French Quarter for 50 years and is worth talking to. You can find him there on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday noon until midnight during Tales.

• Ryan’s Irish Pub
241 Decatur Street (French Quarter – GPS Map)
Drinks: $5 Irish Car Bombs
Food: None, but you can bring pizza/food in from the place across the street
Sports: Love sports? They have every sport playing on many TV’s via satellite
Say hi to bartender, Dana!

• Cafe Maspero
601 Decatur Street (French Quarter – GPS Map)
Soup: French Onion
Cocktails: Claim to have the cheapest drinks in the French Quarter. Cash only. $1.00 Frozen 10 oz Daiquiris and $1.00 Carlo Rossi Chablis, Rose, and Burgundy (funny, those were the only wines offered when I started tending bar back in 1980, lol).

• NOLA
534 St. Louis Street (French Quarter – GPS Map)
Entreé: Grilled Pork Chop (nicknamed “the doorstop”)
Nola offers much larger portions than your average high-end restaurant. Try to sit on the second floor, as it was designed more comfortable for the locals. The first floor was designed for tourists/high turnover.

• Oceana Grill
739 Conti (French Quarter – On the corner of Bourbon and Conti – GPS Map)
The best service I’ve had in the French Quarter. Everyone from the host, waiter, to the busser was very welcoming and knowledgeable. You can tell that management focuses on customer service. I tasted everyone’s food at the table and all was good. I don’t like their seafood gumbo though. Hard pieces to dig out (shells & claws) are weird to me and too much work. One day I was walking to the bank and saw the Hell’s Kitchen film crew with Chef Gordon Ramsey doing a scene outside of Oceana.

LATE NIGHT DININGRestaurants close down pretty early in the French Quarter (10pm – 11pm), so it’s good to know late night options.

• Johnny’s Po’ Boy
511 St. Louis Street (French Quarter – GPS Map)
Monday – Thursday they are open until 3am.
Friday – Sunday they close at 4:30pm (yes, in the afternoon)
Known for their Po’ Boys and breakfast choices since 1950.
Cash only

I hope you found this information useful and look forward to you visiting me at The Bombay Club.
Cheers!
Cheryl Charming

P.S. For quick reference to this info, add this page to your iPhone home screen. Simply open Safari, search/or type in the URL https://charmingcocktails.wordpress.com then at the bottom of your iPhone there will be an upward arrow…touch the arrow and it will give you an option to add to your home screen. The page will now be on your home screen for easy access. The GPS Map links will be at your fingertips.

My Drink Trivia Game is filled to the brim with fun trivia, graphics, prizes, and surprises that trick you into being educated. It’s like a fun mini-bartender school in your fingertips! This edutainment app currently has 5000 bar & cocktail-related questions in 5 categories that include Spirits & Recipes, Beer & Wine, Tools & Terms, Celebrity Cocktails, and History. Each category takes you inside a new themed bar with 3 difficulty levels to choose from. Where do you want to start: Bartender, Mixologist, or Geek?

Also, if you are planning a trip to the French Quarter then stop by and see me. I’m the new bar manager at The Bombay Club at 830 Conti. So far I’ve rolled out a cocktail menu that starts from the 1800s and timelines through present day. You can download a PDF version at The Bombay Club link. Soon to come is a herb, flower, and vegetable garden in the courtyard, cocktail pairings with each appetizer and entrée, cocktail classes, Gold Bombay Club punch cards, dessert libations, and theme nights.

The theme nights include Hollywood Cocktails (cocktails seen on the silver screen), James Bond 007 (cocktails drank in Bond films), and American Writer Drinks (favorite cocktails of American authors). Each night will include fun ways for a chance to win a complimentary drink or appetizer. For example, I’ve purchased a mini-roulette wheel in a silver James Bond case allowing you the chance to spin the wheel to win.

For music, we have live entertainment seven nights a week and I’ve changed the playlist of music to Dean Martin, Frank Sinatra, Sammy Davis Jr., Ella Fitsgerald, and Billie Holiday tunes. On the big screen you’ll find classic films, a roaring fireplace, or an exotic HD fish aquarium. Hope to see you there!

Seems like everyone is blogging about Hollywood themed cocktails for the upcoming Academy Awards, but I decided to share four libation films from 50 years ago (Mainly because I’ve only seen one of the films nominated for 2011). So roll out the red carpet for Blue Hawaii, Breakfast at Tiffany’s, Come September, and The Hustler.

Blue Hawaii
Blue Hawaii was the 3rd top grossing Elvis film. The soundtrack album was on the Billboard Pop Albums chart for 79 weeks and spent 20 weeks at #1 on the Pop Albums chart. His mother in the film was played by Angela Lansbury, but in real life Angela was only 10 years older than Elvis. Elvis was 26.The Libations
Several tropical intoxicating libations are seen in the film, but only one is mentioned and seen. The Mai Tai. Trays of Mai Tais are passed around at a party and even shows a bartender overflowing the top of a Mai Tai with golden rum. Here is a look at the first scene from YouTube. Skip to 1:20.

One song from the film, I can’t Help Falling in Love With You, was undoubtedly the best on the soundtrack. Elvis sang ICHFILWY throughout the rest of his life while wiping sweat from his face with scarfs then giving it them to women in the audience. Here is a look at Elvis 12 years after the Blue Hawaii film at age 38 in his Aloha from Hawaii TV special. Man, what a handsome man.

Mai Tai
Learn how to make a real Mai Tai from the #1 authority of all things Tiki, Beachbum Berry.

Breakfast at Tiffany’s
This romantic comedy starring Audrey Hepburn and George Peppard won two Academy Awards with Best Original Score and Best Song (Moon River) and was nominated for three Academy Awards; Best Actress, Best Art Direction, and Best Screenplay. Audrey was 32 years old.
The Libations
There is drinking throughout the film and a big party scene in Audrey’s apartment. Audrey pours herself milk in a cocktail glass, her and George drink whiskey, and George even has a line about drinking Champagne in the morning. You can listen to it here. People have reported that Mimosas and Planter’s Punches are either mentioned or seen in the film, but I haven’t watched the film close enough to confirm. Anyone out there for for certain?

Audrey drinking whiskey and milk.

Come September
This film starring Rock Hudson, Bobby Darin, and Sandra Dee was the very first film shown on transcontinental and intercontinental flights. That’s kinda cool.
The Libations
Rock Hudson drinks a lot of Champagne and there’s even a scene with a bird perching on the edge of a glass getting drunk from Champagne. In one scene, Rock drinks a Martini for breakfast. The servant asks him if there is anything else he may want and Rock replies, “an olive”.

The best scene is when Rock tends bar and serves Bobby Darin and his friends brandy. Here is the scene from YouTube.

The Hustler
Paul Newman plays “Fast Eddie” Felson in this nine Academy Award nomination film about a pool hustler. It won Best Art Direction and Cinematography and still today is considered one of the great classics.
The Libations
As you might have guessed, there is a lot of drinking seen in the pool halls during “Fast Eddie” Felson’s travels, but a bottle of whiskey is seen when he plays a 25 hour pool game against Minnesota fats and drinks the entire bottle. The whiskey? J.T.S Brown Bourbon, which is made by Heaven Hill.

]]>charming1960blogheaderblueHmaitaibreakfastaudreycomehustlerjtsA Look Back At Bar & Cocktail Culture 2010https://charmingcocktails.wordpress.com/2010/12/06/a-look-back-at-bar-cocktail-culture-2010/
Mon, 06 Dec 2010 10:29:41 +0000http://charmingcocktails.wordpress.com/?p=1135Continue reading →]]>Well, 2010 is about to come to a close and while I’m sure many in the Cocktail Culture are putting together their own “look back” lists, here is mine. Warning: It’s not short.

If you see something I missed then feel free to send it my way and I’ll add it. Email: cheryl@misscharming.com (start the subject line with Re:), facebook email me, or text to 407-924-6234.

The local economic impact Tales of the Cocktail made consisted of $11.3 million with 14,014 hotel nights booked. 52.7% of visitors had attended Tales of the Cocktail more than once, 47.3% went for the first time, 70.3% of attendees traveled to the New Orleans area, 62.9% of respondents attended Tales of the Cocktail for 4 to 5 days.

Tales Attendee Breakdown was 18,750 and 65.3% were Industry Professionals, Bartenders, Sponsors, Presenters and Media, 34.7% were Cocktail Enthusiasts/General attendees. The National and International Statistics were 17.8% New York, 14.4% California, 10.1% from Texas and 6.6% from Florida. The largest fraction of international visitors came from Canada (32.7%), followed by Australia (12.2%), France (10.2%) and Sweden (6.1%). Other countries that attendees visited from: Mexico, The Netherlands, Italy, Denmark, The UK, Germany, South Korea, Trinidad & Tobago, Switzerland, Afghanistan, New Zealand, Brazil, and Austria.

Tales of the Cocktail Social Media Statistics include: Facebook, Twitter (43.2%) and Blogsite (15.3%), 48.1% of visitors attend Tales of the Cocktail events, based on information received from social media 96.9% of attendees surveyed used the Tales of the Cocktail website.

– The Bartender’s Travelling Book (started late 2009, but began to travel in 2010) has made it to Mr. Javier de las Muelas of Barcelona, Spain. The mission and purpose of the book is to gradually create a unique collaborative work featuring 333 prominent bartenders coming from different continents and various cultures. It will be a testament to the camaraderie and mutual respect among the bigwigs in the bartending world. The book came into existence with a clear objective – to be filled with personal entries by the world’s best bartenders. Other things to know about the book is that it is the only book of it’s kind in the whole world, made of leather and has silver embossing, made from exclusive hand made paper, and took 2 months for the book binder to put together. You can follow its travels on the Facebook Bartender’s Travelling Book Group.

– After witnessing Tony Conigliaro’s Glass Aged Manhattan at 69 Colebrooke Lane in London, Mixologist/blogger Jeffrey Morgenthaler from Portland pondered the question, “What if you could prepare a large batch of a single, spirit-driven cocktail and age it in a used oak barrel? Well, he did it. He first made a batch of rye Manhattans and put it into a small, used oak cask whose previous contents were Madeira wine. After five-to-six weeks, a soft blend of oak, wine, caramel and char was born. He continued his project by using whiskey casks and proceeded to fill them with a large batch of Negronis and after After six weeks in the bourbon barrel emerged a rare beauty. The sweet vermouth so slightly oxidized, the color paler and rosier than the original, the mid-palate softly mingled with whiskey, the finish long and lingering with oak tannins. Jeffrey has continued with several other recipes.

– There was a march for mezcal in Portland, OR.

– Great Rum Debate took place on a boat between Oakland and San Francisco.

– To celebrate the 200th anniversary of Frederic Chopin’s birth, Chopin Vodka unveiled a hand-blown, seven-foot tall, 200-liter glass bottle on the red carpet at the Santa Barbara International Film Festival (2010). It’s the largest bottle of liquor ever to be produced.

– In honor of Frank Sinatra’s would be 95th birthday, Social Mixology served old-school Ketel One Martinis prepared by Anthony Alba and Tobin Ellis as well as a tasting of the limited Angelo Lucchesi bottling of Jack Daniel’s.

– Cocktail Kingdom made it easy for non-residents of the Caribbean to buy actual swizzle sticks.

– United Airlines offered their passengers a Sunrise Sunset • Vodka, cranberry apple juice, a splash of orange juice, and a squeeze of lime (same mixers as the Bourbon Breeze from Delta above?). They also offer a Mai Tai.

– President Barack Obama and his wife went out for a “date night” to Havana, a Latino-inspired restaurant that serves some of the best Cuban drinks and food on the island and drank Grey Goose Martinis. I guess not “when in Rome”?

– Moet-Hennessy put sleeves on all their products.

– Don Julio’s Blanco, Reposado, and Añejo bottles as well as their unique boxes debuted a new modernized, eye-catching design and a new logo that pays tribute to the brand’s namesake.

– The AWOL machine was invented in the Uk and allowed to function in Australia for precisely one day (AWOL means Alcohol With Out Liquid: you inhale vaporized alcohol and get… vaporized).

– Pennsylvania – a trial was initiated to test selling wine in grocery stores using vending machines. The buyer must present identification, look into a camera to allow an off site PLCB employee to verify the identification, then blow into a breathalyzer to authorize the sale.

TELEVISION
– How I Met Your Mother is set in the fictional NYC bar, MacLaren’s, which allows for many bar scenes, but the 100th episode titled, “Girls vs. Suits” showed Barney, played by Neil Patrick Harris (I love him!) playing the charming womanizer who lists off all the women he has conquered except for one…a hot female bartender.

– Castle from ABC aired an episode that centered around cocktail culture, the history of prohibition in NY and coveting vintage booze.

– Mad Men on AMC continues to romanticize the free-flowing Martinis and Manhattans of the early 1960s.

– Charlie played by Charlie Sheen continues to booze it up on Two and a Half Men from CBS.

– Boardwalk Empire from HBO is set in Atlantic City during the American Prohibition. In the opening, Dimmi bottles wash up on the shore at Steve Buscemi’s feet.

– Cougar Town on ABC tipples around the clock with Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. In one episode, Jules (Courtney Cox) held a memorial service for her favorite (but now broken) over sized wine glass.

FILM
– Salt – Angelina Jolie and several Russian agents all drink a vodka toast. Later, Angelina Jolie uses a bottle of vodka as a weapon.

– Princess and The Frog – The frog says, I’ll take a pre-dinner cocktail and something to nibble on.”

– Avatar – Sam Worthington mentions Tequila in voice-over narration and states on his video diary that the Na’vi won’t be making any deals with the humans, not for light beer or blue jeans.
Stephen Yang tells his team that the first round of drinks is on him.

– Get Him To The Greek – Russell Brand says, “It’s time to invest in Jack Daniel’s.”

– The A-Team – Gerald McRaney states he has a bottle of Blue Label (Johnnie Walker Blue Label Scotch) waiting for the team, and Liam Neeson tells him to make it a case.

– Knight And Day – Cameron Diaz kisses Tom Cruise on a plane and says, “That was from the Tequila and altitude.” Viola Davis tells Peter Sarsgaard that something needed a Margarita and not capping. A guy at a bar orders a Harvey Wallbanger.

– Marmaduke – One of Owen Wilson’s (Marmaduke, the dog) friends says to him, “Not to rub Margarita salt in the wound, but you deserved it.”

– Killers – Catherine O’Hara asks a flight attendant for three Chardonnays and drinks from a large pitcher of Bloody Marys in the morning.

– Piranha 3D – Richard Dreyfuss sings “Show Me the Way to Go Home,” which features the lyric, “I had a little drink about an hour ago and it’s gone right to my head.” Jerry O’Connell drinks Tequila body shots off on a bikini-clad Riley Steele.

– The Other Guys – Will Ferrell and Mark Wahlberg are served Arnold Palmers at the house of one of Will’s former girlfriends. Her husband announces that her drink is the only one with vodka in it.

– The American – Lots of spirits and wine seen.

– Pilgrim VS. The World – Michael orders two Gin and Tonics. Mary Elizabeth Winstead says she normally doesn’t drink, prompting Scott to ask, “Oh, you want one?” (meaning, he ordered the two for just himself).

– Eat Pray Love – Julia Roberts orders Tequila on the rocks and also tells Billy Crudup that she’ll have unlimited mini-bar access in their Bali hotel. Giuseppe Gandini sees a commercial about Miller Time and then buy a 6-pack.

– 127 Hours – James Franco says, I need to be chilled like Sauvignon Blanc”.

– Skyline – Lots of bottles and drinks are seen as well as Margaritas.

– Iron Man 2 – When Robert Downey Jr. tells Gwyneth Paltrow he’s promoting her, she asks if he’s been drinking and he says, “Yes, chlorophyll” then opens Champagne for both of them and tells her, “Don’t think…drink.” Scarlett Johansson hands Robert Downey Jr. a Martini and suggestively asks, “Is that dirty enough for you?”
Samuel L. Jackson talks about Mickey Rourke being on a multi-year vodka binge in the past.

– Red – Brian Cox opens a bottle of Sobieski Vodka with a knife.

– Leap Year – During the opening credits, Amy Adams drinks wine and later a Martini at a wedding.

– Edge Of Darkness – Jay O. Sanders asks a grieving Mel Gibson if he wants coffee or something stronger and Mel says, “There’s a bottle of Crown Royal somewhere in the house collecting dust.”

– Broken Embraces – Blanca Portillo orders a Gin and Tonic.

– Valentine’s Day – At the end of a sex operator call, Anne Hathaway says she’s going to need a Mint Julep.

– Shutter Island – Ben Kingsley offers Leonardo DiCaprio and Mark Ruffalo a drink. Mark asks for a rye. There is also a hot tub scene with lots of bottles.

– Percy Jackson and the Olympians: The Lightning Thief – The song by Three Dog Night, Mama Told Me Not To Come, with the lyric, “Want some whiskey in your water” is played.

– The Ghost Writer – Pirce Brosnan is given a Bloody Mary.
Olivia Williams tells the Ghost (Ewan McGregor) he needs is a drink. She gives him wine and he says, “I don’t understand the point of white wine” and then has another drink instead.

– Dear John – Scott Porter says that Channing Tatum looks like he could use a drink, and then brings him Bourbon.

– Cop Out – Bruce Willis offers to buy Jason Lee a drink. Jason asks for a Scotch and Bruce orders him rum.

– Our Family Wedding – Bartender, Paul Costa (self-labeled as a mixologist) tosses liquor bottles about while preparing drinks then Carlos Mencia and Forest Whitaker both order a Pink Nipple.

– Date Night – Steve Carell orders two glasses of wine but is ignored by the bartender.

– The Bounty Hunter – Christine Baranski drinks a Martini.

– Sex In The City 2 – Drinking throughout the film. Jessica Parker describes Abu Dhabi to Kristen Davis’s young daughter as “Like Jasmine, only with cocktails,” (referring to the lead female character from the animated Disney film, Aladdin).

– MacGruber – Powers Booth tells Will Forte to relax and have a Molson’s beer.

– Robin Hood – The Friar, Mark Addy collects money from the three men and then asks them if they know about mead. Robin Hood (Russell Crowe) and his men, drink and sing about mead.
King Richard (Danny Huston) has a drink and tells his assistant that he should drink and laugh. Later after mortally wounded, he asks for wine, has some, and then dies.

– Going the Distance – Lots of drinking scenes. In the opening credits, Drew Barrymore gets a text message asking about getting a drink. After tasting some cake icing, Justin Long mentions that vodka is a great chaser.

“WHAT’S OUT” TRENDS

– Speakeasy concept
– Bad customer service in craft bars.

]]>charming1960blogheadertbookfillingbarrelglacetradrervicsurftiffany-cupsandra_bullock_giant_chopin_vodka_bottle41607_127906037271368_6256127_ndonj51604762ice9780976093701episode-10-toni-lane-robert-donfederallaw_smallgraf_zeppelin_marienburg_1910r_640_x_480_162history1900piccadillycover138_thumbpaparazzibook10books978159921899151m5GwGI-9L._SS500_JapaneseCocktails41wHcgozIUL._BO2,204,203,200_PIsitb-sticker-arrow-click,TopRight,35,-76_AA300_SH20_OU01_Screen shot 2010-12-06 at 2.11.51 AMtakers_wallpaper_02EatPrayLove-031810-0004alg_movie_hot_tubYOU WILL MEET A TALL DARK STRANGER'Sex and the City 2'Screen shot 2010-12-06 at 3.20.59 AMScreen shot 2010-12-06 at 3.25.33 AMjewelrycocktailringpeopeWould Love To Say I Left My Heart in San Francisco Cocktail Weekhttps://charmingcocktails.wordpress.com/2010/09/21/would-love-to-say-i-left-my-heart-in-san-francisco-cocktail-week/
Tue, 21 Sep 2010 17:24:18 +0000http://charmingcocktails.wordpress.com/?p=1087Continue reading →]]>The 4th annual San Francisco Cocktail Week starts today. Yeah, I wish I was there, but just how many cocktail events can one afford to attend in a year? This event use to be in May and now it’s in September. Would love to attend sometime especially since I lived in SF down on Congress Street once for 6 months in the 1990s.

I looked through some of the San Francisco Cocktail Week events and some sound really fun!The Ragtag Rabble Soirée
Games of chance like craps, blackjack, roulette and poker, played out by dealers dressed in ye olde Barbary Coast-era attire! Join us in the Burritt Room as it’s littered with bars and ragtag tables, along with Cocktail Lab’s signature innovations of classic, turn-of-the-century cocktails. Highlights of the night include a burlesque show, live music, guest bartender appearances, cocktail-themed raffle prizes and delicious bites by chefs Matt Spinner of Thirsty Bear and Larry Piaskowy of Cowgirl Creamery. Festive attire encouraged.

Hangar One Cocktail Cookout on the Island
The East Bay’s best bartenders are teaming up with Fatted Calf for a meaty, boozy outdoor festival, pairing barbecue with ice-cold cocktails and a cocktail competition under the sun at the renowned Hangar One distillery in Alameda. Ticket includes a round-trip ferryboat ride featuring Hangar One cocktails (designed and served by Master Mixologist Scott Beattie of HMS Cocktails) from San Francisco’s Ferry Building and shuttle transportation to BART to and from the Hangar One Distillery, bbq, and cocktails.

Chartreuse Karaoke Gong Show
At an evening inspired by 15 Romolo’s legendary karaoke nights, bartenders and civilians alike will show off their pipes and brave the gong’s shame before a panel of celebrity judges, emboldened by $6 Chartreuse cocktails.

Strange Bed-Fellows: An Exploration in Ham, Oysters and Malt
Chef Ray England teams up with whisky-men Robin Coupar and Neyah White to present a series of unlikely combos. Oysters and Islay single malt? Japanese whisky and cheese? Sherry-finished malt and ham? What could go wrong?

I don’t have a photograph of the official cocktail for the San Francisco Cocktail Week, but here’s the recipe.

Combine Encanto Pisco, Campari, Rosato, Benedictine and lemon juice in an ice-filled shaker and shake for 10 to 15 seconds, or until chilled. Strain over fresh ice into a Collins glass, and top with seltzer. Garnish with a slice of orange.

The cocktail is named after the founder of Ghirardelli Chocolate Company, Domingo Ghirardelli, an Italian-born man who moved to Peru and ran a successful confections business and, following tales of gold mines and potential riches, ultimately ended up in San Francisco. He went on to found Ghirardely & Girard (later changed to the Ghirardelli Chocolate Company), which has been in continuous operation since 1852. In his own way, Ghirardelli helped build and shape San Francisco, and his company has become synonymous with the city. Ghirardelli Square, which his company built, has been an official City landmark since 1965.

I also want to take this opportunity to thank all the wonderful people I was able to see and meet last week in Washington DC while attending Beachbum Berry’s seminar. First, Bruce Tomlinson, thank you so much for everything! I mean everything. Secondly, thanks to Jesse Dean for airport transportation and and tour of his lovely city. Thirdly, to all the PS 7 rockstars that created an enchanted evening of sips and nibbles. Chef Peter Smith, Gina Chersevani, and Caroline O’Grady. All of my dinner partners, Jeff Beachbum Berry, Bruce Tomlinson, Vern Stoltz, Mark & Amy Eggers, and Brian Spatola all agree that it was the best ever cocktail pairing we have ever been to…EVER! Beachbum Berry even said , “going to the next one would be like the person that has to follow the Beatles on The Ed Sullivan Show” and I whole-heartedly agree. It was simply mind-blowing how the cocktails paired perfectly with each nibble from Chef and owner Peter Smith.

From PS 7, me, Bruce, and Beachbum visited Chantal Tseng (wife of Derek Brown) at theHotel Tabard Inn. She made a wonderful B.O.H. TIKI SMASH with Myers’s Dark Rum, coconut rum, Aaron’s Housemade ginger beer, fresh lime, pineapple, mint, and Angostura bitters. It was also served with a snack. Thank you Chantal! You are beautiful.

Thursday night was Beachbum Berry’s event with The Museum of the American of the Cocktail held at the Occidental Grill & Seafood. Thank you to Philip Greene, treasurer of the Museum, for dinner afterwards. Very nice sitting next to and meeting your father as well! After that, me, Bruce and Bum went over to see Derek Brown at The Columbia Room. We also spent a couple hours at The Columbia Room the following night as well. Thank you Derek for all the fantastic cocktails and personal service! Love your smile. Also loved that you made the tiki god of the world, Beachbum Berry a “real” Mai Tai. Oh nice to meet you Brian Miller (Pegu Club, Death & Company). You’re funny.

Late Friday night, me, Bruce, and Bum, trekked an hour over to see John Hogan’s place in Annapolis called Level. If you are ever in the area then you MUST visit. We tasted the addicting Honey & Cherry Manhattan (had to have 2!) and the cocktail that is on the back label of John Hogan’s and Tobin Ellis’ bitters. Yum! The Honey & Cherry Manhattan was garnished with a cube of dripping honeycomb that melted in your mouth. I gave the Bum my second honeycomb.

Cocktails from Adam at Proof were wonderful and the cherry was topped at the speakeasy, The Gibson. Personally, I could end each night at The Gibson. Such great energy and atmosphere. Dark wood, decorative leather, velvet, cool music, ahhhhh, my kinda sexy place. Don’t even know the bartenders names, but I’ll never forget them, their wonderful drinks, and engaging personalities. They even fixed my broken shoe with superglue!

On a personal note, I’m packing up whatever fits in my car and moving to New Orleans the first week of October. It’s the first city in my whole life where so so many people have opened up their arms and welcomed me. What a great feeling that is! So I’m off to new experiences to the Big Easy. More on that next time.

Live Juicy and Cheers!
Cheryl Charming aka Miss Charming™

]]>charming1960sfdcginabohmailevelgibsonnew-orleansHis & Her Charming Cocktail Jewelshttps://charmingcocktails.wordpress.com/2010/08/17/his-her-charming-cocktails-jewels/
Tue, 17 Aug 2010 01:41:57 +0000http://charmingcocktails.wordpress.com/?p=1066Continue reading →]]>This year at Tales of the Cocktail, I debuted my Charming Cocktail Ring. I actually cut the stems off real glass cocktail glasses that I found at various thrift and antique stores then attached them to a ring. They were a smashing success! You can buy them online here.

While selling my Charming Cocktail Jewelry at Tales, many of the guys asked me to think about designing something for them. Jim Meehan pulled me aside and gave me a great idea, so you may see that idea next year, but for now I made some cuff links. I started with some silver tone Hawthorne strainer cuff links. You can purchase them here. Thank you Philip Duff for buying the first pair!

I’ve also made some citrus twist cuff links that are available in silver and gold tone. I will be adding more types soon.

Thank you to everyone for such a great feedback on my fun Charming Cocktail Jewelry! And a special thanks goes out to Ann Tuennerman for allowing me to be one of the first people at Tales to sell a product. Even though I lost my camera, don’t remember the William Grant Party (sorry, Charlotte…and anyone else I encountered that night), and caught my hotel room on fire (having to pay $225 in damages…don’t ask), the cherry on top was selling out of all my jewelry.

The people in New Orleans have been so warm and welcoming that I’ve decided to move the the French Quarter in October, so be ready for lots of fun adventures then!

]]>charming1960jewelrycocktailringpeope-1Back Camera40913_468064244552_682519552_6213132_3592769_nTales of the Cocktail 2010https://charmingcocktails.wordpress.com/2010/07/15/tales-of-the-cocktail-2010/
Thu, 15 Jul 2010 17:23:11 +0000http://charmingcocktails.wordpress.com/?p=1045Continue reading →]]>Unless you’ve been living under a rock, you know that Tales of the Cocktail® is next week. Tales is an internationally acclaimed festival of cocktails, cuisine and culture held annually in New Orleans, Louisiana. The event brings together the best and brightest of the cocktail community—award-winning mixologists, authors, bartenders, chefs and designers—for a five-day celebration of the history and artistry of making drinks. Each year offers a spirited series of dinners, demos, tastings, competitions, seminars, book signings, tours and parties all perfectly paired with some of the best cocktails ever made.

Each year, the name of the festival is different and this year it’s called Where Spirits Live.

My Tales of the Cocktail Schedule is below. It may help a newbie create their own. Also, if you need me at Tales then you can always text me at 407-924-6234.